Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Works and Housing Minister, has lauded the National Health Insurance Authority's (NHIA) decision to subsidize dialysis treatment for vulnerable groups.
This announcement follows his extensive advocacy efforts to make dialysis care more affordable and accessible.
"Happy to read this report that the NHIA has finally agreed to underwrite an appreciable part of dialysis care costs. Thumbs up to the board and management. The next step is to ensure automaticity of fund flows, cut back the levy, and take appropriate market premiums,” Nkrumah wrote on Facebook.
Nkrumah's post has garnered widespread praise on social media. Akua Mensah commented, “Thank you, Hon. Nkrumah, for tirelessly fighting for us. My father will now get the treatment he needs without the financial burden.” Another user, Kwame Asare, said, “Your efforts have paid off! This is a monumental step for healthcare in Ghana. Kudos to you!”
The NHIA's new policy, effective from June to December 2024, will provide free dialysis sessions for patients under 18 and over 60 years old. For those aged 18 to 59, a subsidy will be offered for two sessions per month across several hospitals. Notably, patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) will receive a higher subsidy, thanks to a philanthropic gesture reducing their session costs significantly.
This policy aims to address the high costs and limited availability of dialysis treatment in Ghana, a critical issue highlighted by Nkrumah in his advocacy efforts. The NHIA's plan is projected to cost over GH¢1 million by the end of the year, marking a significant investment in the country's healthcare infrastructure.
